After identifying a malware infection on a user's computer via an email attachment, what should the incident responder do NEXT to promote quick recovery?

Taking the affected computer off the network is a critical step in promoting quick recovery from a malware infection. By isolating the infected machine, the incident responder can prevent the malware from spreading to other devices on the network, which is essential for containing the threat. This step helps protect the integrity of the entire organization's network and minimizes the risk of further data compromise or damage.

After isolating the computer, other actions such as running antivirus scans or restoring from backups can be conducted safely without risking cross-contamination. While notifying employees about the attack is important for awareness and education, it is more of a secondary action and does not immediately address the containment of the malware. Performing a full system restore can also be part of the recovery process but should come after ensuring that the infection does not spread further and that any necessary forensic analysis is complete.